From a normal school of teachers in 1891 to joining the University of North Carolina system in 1971, ECSU is a place where the smartest minds from all over the country come together to discover, learn and cultivate the foundations of their future.

In ECSU's ten academic departments, we are educating some of the world's most brilliant minds. Our students are exposed to innovative research opportunities that extend their learning beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Life at ECSU provides a range of experiences that are invaluable to your academic and personal growth. Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse, close-knit community that seeks to create a better world.

Memorial Services Planned for ECSU’s Dr. Darnell Johnson

Dr. Johnson is a 1973 ECSU graduate and star Viking athlete. While he attended ECSU
as a student, he was a member of the 1971 Championship CIAA Football Team, and was
drafted as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys – he would eventually be drafted into
the ECSU Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1972, Dr. Johnson also became the captain of the Viking football team, and Student
Government Association president. That same year he was named president of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the first ECSU student and CIAA student-athlete to be awarded
the NCAA Postgraduate Fellowship.

He attended ECSU with his future wife and high school sweetheart, and current ECSU
Board of Trustee member, Dr. Stephanie Johnson.

After graduating from ECSU, Dr. Johnson would go on to the University of Kentucky
under the NCAA Postgraduate Fellowship. He would also earn degrees from Old Dominion
University, and George Washington University.

Dr. Johnson would go on to become a very popular and successful professor of mathematics
at ECSU, ending his full time career as an endowed professor of education in 2015.
He would, however, work part time at ECSU assisting with pre-college outreach.

Friend and colleague, history professor Dr. Glen Bowman, says Dr. Johnson was one
of the most committed supporters of his research for the book, “Elizabeth City State
University 1891-2016: The Continuity of a Historical Legacy of Excellence and Resilience.”

“He invited me to alumni meetings to speak on ECSU history,” recalled Dr. Bowman.
“He and his spouse Stephanie both made significant donations to my book. His enthusiasm
about and love for ECSU touched me deeply.”

Along with his wife, Dr. Johnson has been recognized by organizations throughout Hampton
Roads, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. As a couple they served as consultants
and facilitators for marriage seminars, educational divisions, government agencies,
as well as regional and state conferences.

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Johnson are as follows:

On Thursday, Nov. 16, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a viewing at the J.T. Fisher
Funeral Services Chapel, 1248 North George Washington Hwy., Chesapeake, Virginia.

On Friday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m., there will be a Celebration Service at St. Mark Missionary
Baptist Church, 2714 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth, Virginia.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Dr. Stephanie Johnson, 1546 Curlew Court, Chesapeake,
Virginia, 23321.

In lieu of flowers and gifts of food, the family is requesting that donations be sent
electronically and designated to the Johnson and Johnson Scholarship Fund using the
following link: https://app.mobilecause.com/public/peer_fundraisers/393109/peer_fundraiser_donations/new

Select gift designation, choose the Johnson and Johnson Scholarship, then follow the
prompts.